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WHO Model List Adult PDF
WHO Model List Adult PDF
WHO Model List Adult PDF
WHO Model List
of
Essential Medicines
18th list
(April 2013)
Status of this document
This is a reprint of the text on the WHO Medicines web site
http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/en/index.html
The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The
responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health
Organization be liable for damages arising from its use.
18th edition
Essential Medicines
WHO Model List (April 2013)
Explanatory Notes
The core list presents a list of minimum medicine needs for a basic health‐care system, listing the most
efficacious, safe and cost‐effective medicines for priority conditions. Priority conditions are selected on the
basis of current and estimated future public health relevance, and potential for safe and cost‐effective
treatment.
The complementary list presents essential medicines for priority diseases, for which specialized diagnostic
or monitoring facilities, and/or specialist medical care, and/or specialist training are needed. In case of doubt
medicines may also be listed as complementary on the basis of consistent higher costs or less attractive cost‐
effectiveness in a variety of settings.
The square box symbol () is primarily intended to indicate similar clinical performance within a
pharmacological class. The listed medicine should be the example of the class for which there is the best
evidence for effectiveness and safety. In some cases, this may be the first medicine that is licensed for
marketing; in other instances, subsequently licensed compounds may be safer or more effective. Where there
is no difference in terms of efficacy and safety data, the listed medicine should be the one that is generally
available at the lowest price, based on international drug price information sources. Not all square boxes are
applicable to medicine selection for children — see the second EMLc for details.
Therapeutic equivalence is only indicated on the basis of reviews of efficacy and safety and when consistent
with WHO clinical guidelines. National lists should not use a similar symbol and should be specific in their
final selection, which would depend on local availability and price.
The a symbol indicates that there is an age or weight restriction on use of the medicine; details for each
medicine can be found in Table 1.
Where the [c] symbol is placed next to the complementary list it signifies that the medicine(s) require(s)
specialist diagnostic or monitoring facilities, and/or specialist medical care, and/or specialist training for
their use in children.
Where the [c] symbol is placed next to an individual medicine or strength of medicine it signifies that there
is a specific indication for restricting its use to children.
The presence of an entry on the Essential Medicines List carries no assurance as to pharmaceutical quality. It
is the responsibility of the relevant national or regional drug regulatory authority to ensure that each
product is of appropriate pharmaceutical quality (including stability) and that when relevant, different
products are interchangeable.
For recommendations and advice concerning all aspects of the quality assurance of medicines see the WHO
Medicines web site http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_assurance/en/index.html.
Medicines and dosage forms are listed in alphabetical order within each section and there is no implication
of preference for one form over another. Standard treatment guidelines should be consulted for information
on appropriate dosage forms.
The main terms used for dosage forms in the Essential Medicines List can be found in Annex 1.
Definitions of many of these terms and pharmaceutical quality requirements applicable to the different
categories are published in the current edition of The International Pharmacopoeia
http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/pharmacopoeia/en/index.html.
Essential Medicines 18th edition
WHO Model List
1. ANAESTHETICS
halothane Inhalation.
isoflurane Inhalation.
nitrous oxide Inhalation.
Injection: 0.25%; 0.5% (hydrochloride) in vial.
bupivacaine Injection for spinal anaesthesia: 0.5% (hydrochloride) in 4‐ml
ampoule to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution.
Injection: 1%; 2% (hydrochloride) in vial.
Injection for spinal anaesthesia: 5% (hydrochloride) in
lidocaine
2‐ml ampoule to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution.
Topical forms: 2% to 4% (hydrochloride).
Dental cartridge: 2% (hydrochloride) + epinephrine 1:80 000.
lidocaine + epinephrine (adrenaline) Injection: 1%; 2% (hydrochloride or sulfate) + epinephrine
1:200 000 in vial.
Complementary List
Injection: 30 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 1‐ml ampoule.
ephedrine (For use in spinal anaesthesia during delivery, to prevent
hypotension).
Injection: 1 mg/ml.
midazolam Oral liquid: 2 mg/ml [c].
Tablet: 7.5 mg; 15 mg.
Suppository: 50 mg to 150 mg.
acetylsalicylic acid
Tablet: 100 mg to 500 mg.
Oral liquid: 200 mg/5 ml.
ibuprofen a Tablet: 200 mg; 400 mg; 600 mg.
a Not in children less than 3 months.
Suppository: 100 mg.
paracetamol* Tablet: 100 mg to 500 mg.
* Not recommended for anti‐inflammatory use due to lack of
proven benefit to that effect.
Granules (slow‐release; to mix with water): 20 mg to 200 mg
(morphine sulfate).
Injection: 10 mg (morphine hydrochloride or morphine
sulfate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
Oral liquid: 10 mg (morphine hydrochloride or morphine
morphine* sulfate)/5 ml.
Tablet (immediate release): 10 mg (morphine sulfate).
Tablet (slow release): 10 mg to 200 mg (morphine
hydrochloride or morphine sulfate).
*Alternatives limited to hydromorphone and oxycodone.
amitriptyline Tablet: 10 mg; 25 mg; 75 mg.
Injection: 50 mg/ml.
cyclizine [c]
Tablet: 50 mg.
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium phosphate
salt).
dexamethasone
Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 2 mg [c]; 4 mg.
Injection: 5 mg/ml.
Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 ml.
diazepam
Rectal solution: 2.5 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg.
Tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg.
hyoscine butylbromide Injection: 20 mg/ml.
Injection: 400 micrograms/ml; 600 micrograms/ml.
hyoscine hydrobromide [c]
Transdermal patches: 1 mg/72 hours.
lactulose [c] Oral liquid: 3.1‐3.7 g/5 ml.
loperamide Solid oral dosage form: 2 mg.
Injection: 5 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
metoclopramide Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml.
Solid oral dosage form: 10 mg (hydrochloride)
Injection: 1 mg/ml; 5 mg/ml.
midazolam Oral liquid: 2 mg/ml [c].
Solid oral dosage form: 7.5 mg; 15 mg.
Injection: 2‐mg base/ml in 2‐ml ampoule (as hydrochloride).
Oral liquid: 4 mg base/5 ml.
ondansetron [c] a
Solid oral dosage form: Eq 4 mg base; Eq 8 mg base.
a >1 month.
senna Oral liquid: 7.5 mg/5 ml.
3. ANTIALLERGICS AND MEDICINES USED IN ANAPHYLAXIS
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium phosphate
dexamethasone
salt).
Oral liquid: 1 mg/ml.
Tablet: 10 mg.
loratadine *
* There maybe a role for sedating antihistamines for limited
indications (EMLc).
Oral liquid: 5 mg/ml [c].
prednisolone
Tablet: 5 mg; 25 mg.
4.1 Non-specific
charcoal, activated Powder.
4.2 Specific
Injection: 200 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
acetylcysteine
Oral liquid: 10% [c]; 20% [c].
methylthioninium chloride
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
(methylene blue)
potassium ferric hexacyano‐ferrate(II)
Powder for oral administration.
‐2H20 (Prussian blue)
Complementary List
dimercaprol Injection in oil: 50 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
Injection: 5 mg/ml (sulfate) in 20‐ml ampoule or 1 g/ml (base) in
fomepizole
1.5‐ml ampoule.
succimer Solid oral dosage form: 100 mg.
5. ANTICONVULSANTS/ANTIEPILEPTICS
Oral liquid: 100 mg/5 ml.
carbamazepine Tablet (chewable): 100 mg; 200 mg.
Tablet (scored): 100 mg; 200 mg.
Parenteral formulation: 2 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule; 4 mg/ml in
lorazepam
1‐ml ampoule.
Injection: 500 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule; 500 mg/ml in
10‐ml ampoule.
magnesium sulfate*
* For use in eclampsia and severe pre‐eclampsia and not for
other convulsant disorders.
phenobarbital Oral liquid: 15 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 15 mg to 100 mg.
Injection: 50 mg/ml in 5‐ml vial (sodium salt).
Oral liquid: 25 mg to 30 mg/5 ml.*
Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg; 50 mg; 100 mg (sodium salt).
phenytoin
Tablet (chewable): 50 mg.
* The presence of both 25 mg/5 ml and 30 mg/5 ml strengths on
the same market would cause confusion in prescribing and
dispensing and should be avoided.
Oral liquid: 200 mg/5 ml.
valproic acid (sodium valproate) Tablet (crushable): 100 mg.
Tablet (enteric‐coated): 200 mg; 500 mg (sodium valproate).
Complementary List
Capsule: 250 mg.
ethosuximide
Oral liquid: 250 mg/5 ml.
6. ANTI-INFECTIVE MEDICINES
6.1 Anthelminthics
6.1.2 Antifilarials
Capsule: 250 mg.
oxamniquine* Oral liquid: 250 mg/5 ml.
* Oxamniquine is listed for use when praziquantel treatment fails.
6.2 Antibacterials
Powder for oral liquid: 125 mg (as trihydrate)/5 ml; 250 mg (as
amoxicillin trihydrate)/5 ml [c].
Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg; 500 mg (as trihydrate).
Powder for injection: 600 mg (= 1 million IU); 3 g
benzylpenicillin
(= 5 million IU) (sodium or potassium salt) in vial.
Powder for reconstitution with water: 125 mg/5 ml;
cefalexin [c] 250 mg/5 ml (anhydrous).
Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg (as monohydrate).
Powder for injection: 1 g (as sodium salt) in vial.
cefazolin* a * For surgical prophylaxis.
a >1 month.
Powder for injection: 250 mg; 1 g (as sodium salt) in vial.
* Do not administer with calcium and avoid in infants with
ceftriaxone* a
hyperbilirubinemia.
a >41 weeks corrected gestational age.
Capsule: 500 mg; 1 g (as sodium salt).
cloxacillin Powder for injection: 500 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
Powder for oral liquid: 125 mg (as sodium salt)/5 ml.
Powder for oral liquid: 250 mg (as potassium salt)/5 ml.
phenoxymethylpenicillin
Tablet: 250 mg (as potassium salt).
procaine benzylpenicillin* * Procaine benzylpenicillin is not recommended as first‐line
treatment for neonatal sepsis except in settings with high
neonatal mortality, when given by trained health workers in
cases where hospital care is not achievable.
Complementary List
Powder for injection: 250 mg per vial (as sodium salt).
cefotaxime* [c] * 3rd generation cephalosporin of choice for use in hospitalized
neonates.
ceftazidime Powder for injection: 250 mg or 1 g (as pentahydrate) in vial.
Powder for injection: 250 mg (as monohydrate) + 250 mg (as
sodium salt); 500 mg (as monohydrate) + 500 mg (as sodium salt) in
vial.
imipenem* + cilastatin* * Only listed for the treatment of life‐threatening hospital‐based
infection due to suspected or proven multidrug‐resistant infection.
Meropenem is indicated for the treatment of meningitis and is
licensed for use in children over the age of 3 months.
Oral liquid: 200 mg/5 ml.
azithromycin*
* Only listed for single‐dose treatment of genital Chlamydia
trachomatis and of trachoma.
Capsule: 250 mg.
Oily suspension for injection*: 0.5 g (as sodium succinate)/ml
in 2‐ml ampoule.
chloramphenicol * Only for the presumptive treatment of epidemic meningitis in
children older than 2 years.
Oral liquid: 150 mg (as palmitate)/5 ml.
Powder for injection: 1 g (sodium succinate) in vial.
* Square box applies to adults only.
Solid oral dosage form: 500 mg.
clarithromycin* * For use in combination regimens for eradication of H. Pylori
in adults.
doxycycline a Solid oral dosage form: 50 mg [c]; 100 mg (as hyclate).
a Use in children <8 years only for life-threatening infections when
no alternative exists.
Powder for injection: 500 mg (as lactobionate) in vial.
Powder for oral liquid: 125 mg/5 ml (as stearate or estolate or
erythromycin ethyl succinate).
Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg (as stearate or estolate or ethyl
succinate).
Injection: 500 mg in 100‐ml vial.
Oral liquid: 200 mg (as benzoate)/5 ml.
metronidazole
Suppository: 500 mg; 1 g.
Tablet: 200 mg to 500 mg.
Injection:
80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule;
80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim
Oral liquid: 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 100 mg + 20 mg; 400 mg + 80 mg;
800 mg + 160 mg.
Complementary List
Capsule: 150 mg (as hydrochloride).
clindamycin Injection: 150 mg (as phosphate)/ml.
Oral liquid: 75 mg/5 ml (as palmitate) [c].
Medicines used in the treatment of leprosy should never be used except in combination. Combination
therapy is essential to prevent the emergence of drug resistance. Colour coded blister packs (MDT blister
packs) containing standard two medicine (paucibacillary leprosy) or three medicine (multibacillary
leprosy) combinations for adult and childhood leprosy should be used. MDT blister packs can be
supplied free of charge through WHO.
Oral liquid: 25 mg/ml [c].
ethambutol
Tablet: 100 mg to 400 mg (hydrochloride).
ethambutol + isoniazid +
Tablet: 275 mg + 75 mg + 400 mg + 150 mg.
pyrazinamide + rifampicin
ethambutol + isoniazid + rifampicin Tablet: 275 mg + 75 mg + 150 mg.
isoniazid Tablet: 100 mg to 300 mg.
Tablet (scored): 50 mg.
Tablet:
75 mg + 400 mg + 150 mg.
isoniazid + pyrazinamide + rifampicin
150 mg + 500 mg + 150 mg (For intermittent use three times
weekly).
Tablet:
75 mg + 150 mg; 150 mg + 300 mg.
isoniazid + rifampicin
60 mg + 60 mg (For intermittent use three times weekly).
150 mg + 150 mg (For intermittent use three times weekly).
Oral liquid: 30 mg/ml [c].
Tablet: 400 mg.
pyrazinamide
Tablet (dispersible): 150 mg.
Tablet (scored): 150 mg.
Capsule: 150 mg.
rifabutin* * For use only in patients with HIV receiving protease
inhibitors.
Oral liquid: 20 mg/ml [c].
rifampicin
Solid oral dosage form: 150 mg; 300 mg.
Complementary List
Reserve second‐line drugs for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) should
be used in specialized centres adhering to WHO standards for TB control.
amikacin Powder for injection: 100 mg; 500 mg; 1 g (as sulfate) in vial.
cycloserine Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg.
Tablet: 125 mg; 250 mg.
ethionamide*
*Prothionamide may be an alternative.
Granules: 4 g in sachet.
p‐aminosalicylic acid
Tablet: 500 mg.
streptomycin [c] Powder for injection: 1 g (as sulfate) in vial.
Capsule: 50 mg.
fluconazole Injection: 2 mg/ml in vial.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
Capsule: 250 mg.
flucytosine
Infusion: 2.5 g in 250 ml.
Oral liquid: 125 mg/5 ml [c].
griseofulvin
Solid oral dosage form: 125 mg; 250 mg.
Lozenge: 100 000 IU.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml [c]; 100 000 IU/ml [c].
nystatin
Pessary: 100 000 IU.
Tablet: 100 000 IU; 500 000 IU.
Complementary List
potassium iodide Saturated solution.
aciclovir Powder for injection: 250 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
Tablet: 200 mg.
Based on current evidence and experience of use, medicines in the following three classes of
antiretrovirals are included as essential medicines for treatment and prevention of HIV (prevention of
mother‐to‐child transmission and post‐exposure prophylaxis). WHO emphasizes the importance of
using these products in accordance with global and national guidelines. WHO recommends and
endorses the use of fixed‐dose combinations and the development of appropriate new fixed‐dose
combinations, including modified dosage forms, non‐refrigerated products and paediatric dosage forms
of assured pharmaceutical quality.
Scored tablets can be used in children and therefore can be considered for inclusion in the listing of
tablets, provided adequate quality products are available.
Buffered powder for oral liquid: 100 mg; 167 mg; 250 mg
packets.
Capsule (unbuffered enteric‐coated): 125 mg; 200 mg; 250 mg;
didanosine (ddI)
400 mg.
Tablet (buffered chewable, dispersible): 25 mg; 50 mg;
100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg.
Capsule: 200 mg.
Oral liquid: 10 mg/ml.
emtricitabine (FTC)* a * FTC is an acceptable alternative to 3TC, based on knowledge
of the pharmacology, the resistance patterns and clinical trials
of antiretrovirals.
a >3 months.
Capsule: 15 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg.
stavudine (d4T)
Powder for oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 300 mg (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate – equivalent to
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)
245 mg tenofovir disoproxil).
Capsule: 100 mg; 250 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
zidovudine (ZDV or AZT)
Solution for IV infusion injection: 10 mg/ml in 20‐ml vial.
Tablet: 300 mg.
Capsule: 50 mg; 100 mg; 200 mg.
Oral liquid: 150 mg/5 ml.
efavirenz (EFV or EFZ) a
Tablet: 600 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
nevirapine (NVP)
Tablet: 200 mg.
Selection of protease inhibitor(s) from the Model List will need to be determined by each country after
consideration of international and national treatment guidelines and experience. Ritonavir is
recommended for use in combination as a pharmacological booster, and not as an antiretroviral in its
own right. All other protease inhibitors should be used in boosted forms (e.g. with ritonavir).
Solid oral dosage form: 100 mg; 150 mg; 300 mg (as sulfate).
atazanavir a
a >25 kg.
Capsule: 133.3 mg + 33.3 mg.
lopinavir + ritonavir (LPV/r) Oral liquid: 400 mg + 100 mg/5 ml.
Tablet (heat stable): 100 mg + 25 mg; 200 mg + 50 mg.
Oral liquid: 400 mg/5 ml.
ritonavir Solid oral dosage form: 100 mg.
Tablet (heat stable): 25 mg; 100 mg.
Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 500 mg (as mesilate).
saquinavir (SQV) a
a >25 kg.
FIXED-DOSE COMBINATIONS
Tablet: 600 mg + 200 mg + 300 mg (disoproxil fumarate
equivalent to 245 mg tenofovir disoproxil).
efavirenz + emtricitabine* + tenofovir * FTC is an acceptable alternative to 3TC, based on knowledge
of the pharmacology, the resistance patterns and clinical trials
of antiretrovirals.
Capsule: 30 mg; 45 mg; 75 mg (as phosphate).
Oral powder: 12 mg/ml.
oseltamivir*
* Potentially severe or complicated illness due to confirmed or
suspected influenza virus infection in accordance with WHO
Treatment Guidelines.
Injection for intravenous administration: 800 mg and 1 g in
10‐ml phosphate buffer solution.
Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 400 mg; 600 mg.
ribavirin*
* For the treatment of viral haemorrhagic fevers and in
combination with pegylated interferons for the treatment of
hepatitis C.
Complementary List
Vial or prefilled syringe:
pegylated interferon alpha (2a or 180 micrograms (peginterferon alfa‐2a);
2b)* 80 micrograms; 100 micrograms (peginterferon alfa‐2b).
* To be used in combination with ribavirin.
Tablet: 500 mg (furoate).
diloxanide a
a >25 kg.
Injection: 500 mg in 100‐ml vial.
metronidazole Oral liquid: 200 mg (as benzoate)/5 ml.
Tablet: 200 mg to 500 mg.
paromomycin Solution for intramuscular injection: 750 mg of paromomycin
base (as the sulfate).
sodium stibogluconate or meglumine Injection: 100 mg/ml, 1 vial = 30 ml or 30%, equivalent to
antimoniate approximately 8.1% antimony (pentavalent) in 5‐ml ampoule.
Medicines for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria cases should be used in combination. The list
currently recommends combinations according to treatment guidelines. WHO recognizes that not all of
the FDCs in the WHO Treatment Guidelines exist, and encourages their development and rigorous
testing. WHO also encourages development and testing of rectal dosage formulations.
Oily injection: 80 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule.
artemether*
* For use in the management of severe malaria.
Tablet: 20 mg + 120 mg.
Tablet (dispersible): 20 mg + 120 mg [c].
artemether + lumefantrine*
* Not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy or in
children below 5 kg.
Injection: ampoules, containing 60 mg anhydrous artesunic
acid with a separate ampoule of 5% sodium bicarbonate
solution.
For use in the management of severe malaria.
Rectal dosage form: 50 mg [c]; 200 mg capsules (for pre‐
artesunate* referral treatment of severe malaria only; patients should be
taken to an appropriate health facility for follow‐up care) [c].
Tablet: 50 mg.
* To be used in combination with either amodiaquine,
mefloquine or sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine.
Tablet: 25 mg + 67.5 mg; 50 mg + 135 mg;
100 mg + 270 mg.
artesunate + amodiaquine*
* Other combinations that deliver the target doses required
such as 153 mg or 200 mg (as hydrochloride) with 50 mg
artesunate can be alternatives.
artesunate + mefloquine Tablet: 25 mg + 55 mg; 100 mg + 220 mg.
chloroquine* Tablet: 100 mg; 150 mg (as phosphate or sulfate).
* For use only for the treatment of P.vivax infection.
doxycycline* Tablet (dispersible): 100 mg (as monohydrate).
* For use only in combination with quinine.
Tablet: 250 mg (as hydrochloride).
mefloquine*
* To be used in combination with artesunate 50 mg.
Injection: 300 mg quinine hydrochloride/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
Tablet: 300 mg (quinine sulfate) or 300 mg (quinine bisulfate).
quinine*
* For use only in the management of severe malaria, and
should be used in combination with doxycycline.
Tablet: 500 mg + 25 mg.
sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine*
* Only in combination with artesunate 50 mg.
chloroquine* Tablet: 150 mg (as phosphate or sulfate).
* For use only in central American regions, for use for P.vivax.
Solid oral dosage form: 100 mg (as hydrochloride or hyclate).
doxycycline a
a >8 years.
Tablet: 250 mg (as hydrochloride).
mefloquine a
a >5 kg or >3 months.
Tablet: 100 mg (as hydrochloride).
proguanil*
* For use only in combination with chloroquine.
sulfadiazine Tablet: 500 mg.
Injection:
80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule;
sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
Oral liquid: 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml [c].
Tablet: 100 mg + 20 mg; 400 mg + 80 mg [c].
Complementary List
pentamidine Tablet: 200 mg; 300 mg (as isethionate).
Medicines for the treatment of 1st stage African trypanosomiasis
Powder for injection: 200 mg (as isetionate) in vial.
pentamidine* * To be used for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
infection.
Injection: 200 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 100‐ml bottle.
eflornithine* * To be used for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
infection.
Injection: 3.6% solution, 5‐ml ampoule (180 mg of active
melarsoprol
compound).
Tablet: 120 mg.
nifurtimox* * Only to be used in combination with eflornithine, for the
treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection.
Complementary List [c]
Injection: 3.6% solution in 5‐ml ampoule (180 mg of active
melarsoprol
compound).
6.5.5.2 American trypanosomiasis
7. ANTIMIGRAINE MEDICINES
ibuprofen [c] Tablet: 200 mg; 400 mg.
Complementary List
Powder for injection: 100 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
azathioprine
Tablet (scored): 50 mg.
Capsule: 25 mg.
ciclosporin Concentrate for injection: 50 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule for organ
transplantation.
Complementary List
allopurinol [c] Tablet: 100 mg; 300 mg.
asparaginase Powder for injection: 10 000 IU in vial.
bleomycin Powder for injection: 15 mg (as sulfate) in vial.
Injection: 3 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
calcium folinate
Tablet: 15 mg.
Powder for injection: 500 mg in vial.
cyclophosphamide
Tablet: 25 mg.
daunorubicin Powder for injection: 50 mg (hydrochloride) in vial.
docetaxel Injection: 20 mg/ml; 40 mg/ml.
doxorubicin Powder for injection: 10 mg; 50 mg (hydrochloride) in vial.
Capsule: 100 mg.
etoposide
Injection: 20 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule.
fluorouracil Injection: 50 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule.
Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 250 mg; 300 mg; 400 mg; 500 mg;
hydroxycarbamide
1 g.
ifosfamide Powder for injection: 1 g vial; 2 g vial.
mercaptopurine Tablet: 50 mg.
Injection: 100 mg/ml in 4‐ml and 10‐ml ampoules.
mesna
Tablet: 400 mg; 600 mg.
Powder for injection: 50 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
methotrexate
Tablet: 2.5 mg (as sodium salt).
paclitaxel Powder for injection: 6 mg/ml.
thioguanine [c] Solid oral dosage form: 40 mg.
Complementary List
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium phosphate salt).
dexamethasone
Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 ml [c].
Injection: 40 mg/ml (as sodium succinate) in 1‐ml single dose vial
and
methylprednisolone [c]
5‐ml multidose vials; 80 mg/ml (as sodium succinate) in 1‐ml single
dose vial.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/ml [c].
prednisolone
Tablet: 5 mg; 25 mg.
9. ANTIPARKINSONISM MEDICINES
Injection: 5 mg (lactate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
biperiden
Tablet: 2 mg (hydrochloride).
Oral liquid: equivalent to 25 mg iron (as sulfate)/ml.
ferrous salt
Tablet: equivalent to 60 mg iron.
Tablet equivalent to 60 mg iron + 400 micrograms folic acid
ferrous salt + folic acid
(nutritional supplement for use during pregnancy).
Injection: 1000 IU/ml; 5000 IU/ml; 20 000 IU/ml in
heparin sodium
1‐ml ampoule.
Complementary List [c]
heparin sodium Injection: 1000 IU/ml; 5000 IU/ml in 1‐ml ampoule.
warfarin Tablet: 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg (sodium salt).
10.3 Other medicines for haemoglobinopathies
Complementary List
Powder for injection: 500 mg (mesilate) in vial.
deferoxamine* * Deferasirox oral form may be an alternative, depending on cost and
availability.
hydroxycarbamide Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 500 mg; 1 g.
verapamil Tablet: 40 mg; 80 mg (hydrochloride).
Injection: 250 micrograms/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
digoxin Oral liquid: 50 micrograms/ml.
Tablet: 62.5 micrograms; 250 micrograms.
Injection: 100 micrograms/ml (as acid tartrate or
epinephrine (adrenaline)
hydrochloride) in 10‐ml ampoule.
Injection: 2.5 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
verapamil
Tablet: 40 mg; 80 mg (hydrochloride).
Complementary List
Injection: 50 mg/ml in 3‐ml ampoule (hydrochloride).
amiodarone
Tablet (HCI): 100 mg; 200 mg; 400 mg (hydrochloride).
Tablet: 1.25 mg; 5 mg.
bisoprolol*
* includes metoprolol and carvedilol as alternatives.
Powder for injection: 20 mg (hydrochloride) in ampoule.
Tablet: 25 mg; 50 mg (hydrochloride).
* Hydralazine is listed for use in the acute management of
hydralazine*
severe pregnancy‐induced hypertension only. Its use in the
treatment of essential hypertension is not recommended in
view of the availability of more evidence of efficacy and safety
of other medicines.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
hydrochlorothiazide
Solid oral dosage form: 12.5 mg; 25 mg.
Tablet: 250 mg.
* Methyldopa is listed for use in the management of
methyldopa* pregnancy‐induced hypertension only. Its use in the treatment
of essential hypertension is not recommended in view of the
availability of more evidence of efficacy and safety of other
medicines.
Complementary List
sodium nitroprusside Powder for infusion: 50 mg in ampoule.
Tablet: 1.25 mg; 5 mg.
bisoprolol*
* includes metoprolol and carvedilol as alternatives.
Injection: 250 micrograms/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
digoxin Oral liquid: 50 micrograms/ml.
Tablet: 62.5 micrograms; 250 micrograms.
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
furosemide Oral liquid: 20 mg/5 ml [c].
Tablet: 40 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
hydrochlorothiazide
Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg.
Complementary List
Complementary List
Tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg.
simvastatin*
* For use in high‐risk patients.
miconazole Cream or ointment: 2% (nitrate).
terbinafine Cream: 1% or Ointment: 1% terbinafine hydrochloride.
Cream (as mupirocin calcium): 2%.
mupirocin
Ointment: 2%.
Cream: 1%.
silver sulfadiazine a
a >2 months.
Cream or ointment: 0.1% (as valerate).
betamethasone a
a Hydrocortisone preferred in neonates.
calamine Lotion.
hydrocortisone Cream or ointment: 1% (acetate).
Lotion: 25%.
benzyl benzoate a
a >2 years.
Cream: 5%.
permethrin
Lotion: 1%.
Injection: 140 mg to 420 mg iodine (as sodium or meglumine
amidotrizoate
salt)/ml in 20‐ml ampoule.
barium sulfate Aqueous suspension.
Injection: 140 mg to 350 mg iodine/ml in 5‐ml; 10‐ml; 20‐ml
iohexol
ampoules.
Complementary List
barium sulfate [c] Aqueous suspension.
15.1 Antiseptics
chlorhexidine Solution: 5% (digluconate).
15.2 Disinfectants
16. DIURETICS
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
furosemide Oral liquid: 20 mg/5 ml [c].
Tablet: 10 mg [c]; 20 mg [c]; 40 mg.
hydrochlorothiazide Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg.
Complementary List [c]
hydrochlorothiazide Tablet (scored): 25 mg.
mannitol Injectable solution: 10%; 20%.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml; 10 mg/5 ml; 25 mg/5 ml.
spironolactone
Tablet: 25 mg.
17. GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICINES
Age‐appropriate formulations and doses including lipase, protease
pancreatic enzymes
and amylase.
17.1 Antiulcer medicines
Powder for oral liquid: 20 mg; 40 mg sachets.
omeprazole
Solid oral dosage form: 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg.
Injection: 25 mg/ml (as hydrochloride) in 2‐ml ampoule.
ranitidine Oral liquid: 75 mg/5 ml (as hydrochloride).
Tablet: 150 mg (as hydrochloride).
Solid oral dosage form: 0.5 mg; 0.75 mg; 1.5 mg; 4 mg.
Injection: 5 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml [c].
metoclopramide a
Tablet: 10 mg (hydrochloride).
a Not in neonates.
Injection: 2 mg base/ml in 2‐ml ampoule (as hydrochloride).
Oral liquid: 4 mg base/5 ml.
ondansetron a Solid oral dosage form: Eq 4 mg base; Eq 8 mg base; Eq 24 mg
base.
a >1 month.
Retention enema.
sulfasalazine Suppository: 500 mg.
Tablet: 500 mg.
Complementary List
Retention enema.
hydrocortisone Suppository: 25 mg (acetate).
(the only applies to hydrocortisone retention enema).
17.4 Laxatives
Powder for dilution in 200 ml; 500 ml; 1 L.
glucose: 75 mEq
sodium: 75 mEq or mmol/L
chloride: 65 mEq or mmol/L
potassium: 20 mEq or mmol/L
citrate: 10 mmol/L
osmolarity: 245 mOsm/L
oral rehydration salts glucose: 13.5 g/L
sodium chloride: 2.6 g/L
potassium chloride: 1.5 g/L
trisodium citrate dihydrate+: 2.9 g/L
+ trisodium citrate dihydrate may be replaced by sodium
hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate) 2.5 g/L. However, as
the stability of this latter formulation is very poor under
tropical conditions, it is only recommended when
manufactured for immediate use.
Solid oral dosage form: 20 mg.
zinc sulfate* * In acute diarrhoea zinc sulfate should be used as an adjunct
to oral rehydration salts.
fludrocortisone Tablet: 100 micrograms (acetate).
hydrocortisone Tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg.
18.2 Androgens
Complementary List
testosterone Injection: 200 mg (enanthate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
18.3 Contraceptives
estradiol cypionate +
Injection: 5 mg + 25 mg.
medroxyprogesterone acetate
copper‐containing device
condoms
diaphragms
Two‐rod levonorgestrel‐releasing implant, each rod containing
levonorgestrel‐releasing implant
75 mg of levonorgestrel (150 mg total).
18.4 Estrogens
Oral solid dosage form (controlled release tablets): 30 mg;
gliclazide* 60 mg; 80 mg.
* Glibenclamide not suitable above 60 years.
Injection: 40 IU/ml in 10‐ml vial; 100 IU/ml in 10‐ml vial (as
intermediate‐acting insulin
compound insulin zinc suspension or isophane insulin).
Complementary List [c]
metformin Tablet: 500 mg (hydrochloride).
18.6 Ovulation inducers
Complementary List
clomifene Tablet: 50 mg (citrate).
18.7 Progestogens
Complementary List [c]
Lugolʹs solution Oral liquid: about 130 mg total iodine/ml.
potassium iodide Tablet: 60 mg.
propylthiouracil Tablet: 50 mg.
All tuberculins should comply with the WHO Requirements for Tuberculins.
tuberculin, purified protein derivative
Injection.
(PPD)
All plasma fractions should comply with the WHO Requirements.
Injection.
antivenom immunoglobulin*
* Exact type to be defined locally.
19.3 Vaccines
Selection of vaccines from the Model List will need to be determined by each country after consideration
of international recommendations, epidemiology and national priorities. The list below details the
vaccines for which there is either a recommendation from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on
Immunization (SAGE) (http://www.who.int/immunization/sage_conclusions/en/index.html) and/or a
WHO position paper (http://www.who.int/immunization/documents/positionpapers/en/index.html).
This site will be updated as new position papers are published and contains the most recent information
and recommendations.
All vaccines should comply with the WHO Requirements for Biological Substances.
WHO noted the need for vaccines used in children to be polyvalent.
BCG vaccine
cholera vaccine
diphtheria vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
hepatitis A vaccine
hepatitis B vaccine
influenza vaccine
Japanese encephalitis vaccine
measles vaccine
meningococcal meningitis vaccine
mumps vaccine
pertussis vaccine
pneumococcal vaccine
rabies vaccine
rotavirus vaccine
rubella vaccine
tetanus vaccine
typhoid vaccine
varicella vaccine
yellow fever vaccine
Injection: 500 micrograms in 1‐ml ampoule; 2.5 mg
neostigmine (metilsulfate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
Tablet: 15 mg (bromide).
Injection: 50 mg (chloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
suxamethonium
Powder for injection (chloride), in vial.
vecuronium [c] Powder for injection: 10 mg (bromide) in vial.
Complementary List
Injection: 1 mg in 1‐ml ampoule.
pyridostigmine
Tablet: 60 mg (bromide).
vecuronium Powder for injection: 10 mg (bromide) in vial.
azithromycin Solution (eye drops): 1.5%.
gentamicin Solution (eye drops): 0.3% (sulfate).
Solution (eye drops): 0.5% (hydrochloride).
tetracaine a
a Not in preterm neonates.
21.5 Mydriatics
Solution (eye drops): 0.1%; 0.5%; 1% (sulfate).
* [c] Or homatropine (hydrobromide) or cyclopentolate
atropine* a
(hydrochloride).
a >3 months.
Complementary List
Complementary List
bevacizumab Injection: 25 mg/ml.
22.1 Oxytocics
Injection: 200 micrograms (hydrogen maleate) in 1‐ml
ergometrine
ampoule.
Tablet: 200 micrograms.*
* For management of incomplete abortion and miscarriage, and
for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage where oxytocin is
not available or cannot be safely used.
misoprostol
Vaginal tablet: 25 micrograms.*
* Only for use for induction of labour where appropriate
facilities are available.
Complementary List
mifepristone* – misoprostol*
Where permitted under national Tablet 200 mg – tablet 200 micrograms.
law and where culturally
* Requires close medical supervision.
acceptable.
22.2 Antioxytocics (tocolytics)
Complementary List
intraperitoneal dialysis solution
Parenteral solution.
(of appropriate composition)
Injection: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
chlorpromazine Oral liquid: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/5 ml.
Tablet: 100 mg (hydrochloride).
Injection: 5 mg in 1‐ml ampoule.
haloperidol
Tablet: 2 mg; 5 mg.
Complementary List
Injection: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
chlorpromazine [c] Oral liquid: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/5 ml.
Tablet: 10 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg; 100 mg (hydrochloride).
Injection: 5 mg in 1‐ml ampoule.
haloperidol [c] Oral liquid: 2 mg/ml.
Solid oral dosage form: 0.5 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg.
clozapine Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg to 200 mg.
Complementary List [c]
Solid oral dosage form: 20 mg (as hydrochloride).
fluoxetine a
a >8 years.
lithium carbonate Solid oral dosage form: 300 mg.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml; 10 mg/5 ml (hydrochloride).
methadone*
* The square box is added to include buprenorphine. The medicines
should only be used within an established support programme.
Inhalation (aerosol): 100 micrograms (as sulfate) per dose.
Injection: 50 micrograms (as sulfate)/ml in 5‐ml ampoule.
salbutamol Metered dose inhaler (aerosol): 100 micrograms
(as sulfate) per dose.
Respirator solution for use in nebulizers: 5 mg
(as sulfate)/ml.
26. SOLUTIONS CORRECTING WATER, ELECTROLYTE AND ACID-BASE
DISTURBANCES
26.1 Oral
oral rehydration salts See section 17.5.1.
potassium chloride Powder for solution.
26.2 Parenteral
Injectable solution: 5% (isotonic); 10% (hypertonic);
glucose
50% (hypertonic).
glucose with sodium chloride Injectable solution: 5% glucose, 0.9% sodium chloride
(equivalent to 150 mmol/L Na+ and 150 mmol/L Cl‐);
5% glucose, 0.45% sodium chloride (equivalent to 75 mmol/L
Na+ and 75 mmol/L Cl‐) [c].
Injectable solution: 0.9% isotonic (equivalent to
sodium chloride
Na+ 154 mmol/L, Cl‐ 154 mmol/L).
Injectable solution: 1.4% isotonic (equivalent to
Na+ 167 mmol/L, HCO3‐ 167 mmol/L).
sodium hydrogen carbonate
Solution: 8.4% in 10‐ml ampoule (equivalent to
Na+ 1000 mmol/L, HCO3‐1000 mmol/L).
sodium lactate, compound solution Injectable solution.
26.3 Miscellaneous
water for injection 2‐ml; 5‐ml; 10‐ml ampoules.
calcium Tablet: 500 mg (elemental).
Oral liquid: 400 IU/ml.
cholecalciferol* [c] Solid oral dosage form: 400 IU; 1000 IU.
* Ergocalciferol can be used as an alternative.
Oral liquid: 250 micrograms/ml (10 000 IU/ml).
ergocalciferol
Solid oral dosage form: 1.25 mg (50 000 IU).
iodine Iodized oil: 1 ml (480 mg iodine); 0.5 ml (240 mg iodine) in
ampoule (oral or injectable); 0.57 ml (308 mg iodine) in
dispenser bottle.
sodium fluoride In any appropriate topical formulation.
Complementary List
budesonide Nasal spray: 100 micrograms per dose.
ciprofloxacin Topical: 0.3% drops (as hydrochloride).
Nasal spray: 0.05%.
xylometazoline a
a Not in children less than 3 months.
ibuprofen Solution for injection: 5 mg/ml.
Solution for injection:
prostaglandin E Prostaglandin E 1: 0.5 mg/ml in alcohol.
Prostaglandin E 2: 1 mg/ml.
surfactant Suspension for intratracheal instillation: 25 mg/ml or 80 mg/ml.
29.2 Medicines administered to the mother
Injection: 4 mg/ml dexamethasone phosphate
dexamethasone
(as disodium salt).
Complementary List
azathioprine Tablet: 50 mg.
hydroxychloroquine [c] Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg (as sulfate).
methotrexate Tablet: 2.5 mg (as sodium salt).
penicillamine Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg.
sulfasalazine Tablet: 500 mg.
Complementary List
Suppository: 50 mg to 150 mg.
acetylsalicylic acid*
Tablet: 100 mg to 500 mg.
(acute or chronic use)
* For use for rheumatic fever, juvenile arthritis, Kawasaki disease.